Abstract

We have a cell problem. Despite decades of research into human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), drug discovery is constrained by the lack of access to standardised, easy-to-use and readily accessible human cells. To improve the success of cutting-edge drug discovery, scientists need reliable and scalable human cells with precise cell identity and physiologically relevant genetic backgrounds. Affording the global research community access to better human cell models has the potential to improve translation from early-stage target discovery and validation into preclinical pipelines. To connect drug discovery scientists to relevant and reliable human cells, bit.bio leverages its cell identity coding platform to precision reprogram hiPSC consistently into mature, functional hiPSC-derived cells that are readily available. To fast-track the development of crucial cell types in high demand, bit.bio forms exclusive partnerships with like-minded academics, CROs and pharmaceutical companies who are equally seeking to improve the broader research ecosystem. Established in 2019 the partnership between bit.bio and Charles River aims to provide clients access to a growing portfolio of precision reprogrammed hiPSC-derived cells and disease models for drug discovery in assays such as phenotypic high content imaging. Through the partnership, Charles River actively contributes to the development and validation of new cell types and disease models. This presentation will cover: ● How bit.bio’s cell identity coding platform underpins and drives the development of reliable and readily available new human cell types to address the cell problem. ● The importance of the partnership and how it can support and drive access to the most relevant human cell types. ● Showcase the incorporation of robust hiPSC-derived cells into key assays within drug discovery and development.